“We came here stressed and disconnected, with some serious challenges before us. This gave us what we needed to get our marriage back on track and our hearts together again.”
Family Physician, Married 26 years

Every year hundreds of couples travel from all across the nation to attend one of Cornerstone's Christian Marriage Intensives, offered at various locations across the United States each month.

Why? Because Cornerstone's nationally renown Marriage Intensive Program, with an 86.3% success record, offers a proven alternative to traditional long term, hourly counseling approaches which typically take 12-15 weeks. Other programs utilize a group counseling approach which requires self-disclosure and can be uncomfortable for many. Our program offers a private approach based on current leading research and timeless biblical principles and applications developed over more than 25 years of experience working with thousands of couples in distressed marriages .

Cornerstone's twenty-two hour, intensive weekend provides participants adequate time, with the privacy and professional support needed to deal with pertinent issues head-on. Our approach addresses issues not only psychologically, but spiritually and most often results in an internal change of heart. It is a change of heart that results in a renewed ways of thinking, and behaving. It is lasting change that can turn a marriage around, and put you on the path to life-long love.

How? Over the course of a three-phase, closely guided intensive weekend, our team of marriage counselors, coaches and facilitators walk couples on a practical “step-by-step” journey utilizing therapeutic projects and exercises which reveal the hidden barriers and issues that have been harmful to the spouses and their marriages, and have kept their relationship from thriving.

Even if your marriage has become conflicted, cold, or distant; regardless of what negative feelings you may have toward each other now, experiencing this weekend can dramatically change your relationship. Just as it has for thousands of others, experiencing this life-changing marriage restoration weekend can put you and your spouse on the road to recovery and life-long love.

Our program starts before you arrive for the weekend intensive. After you register, we ask you and your spouse to each complete a couple’s “Confidential Marital Relationship Assessment" which gives us your and your spouse's perspective on the presenting issues in your relationship. This helps us better understand what the focus of the weekend will be in working with you.

Agenda For the Weekend

Starting with our first session on Friday evening we begin by laying the foundation and groundwork needed to embark upon a marriage restoration journey which promises to be an intensive, yet very rewarding one.

On day two we begin walking you and your spouse step by step through each aspect of an in-depth healing process. This "hands-on process" is crucial to helping you as a couple achieve a deep level of healing in your hearts and relationship, from the least to the worst of painful past events in your relationship.

Accomplishing this step then enables the two of you to work together with much less tension and a greater sense peace and unity. We then guide you through practical steps to identify and address unresolved issues, re-establish your emotional connection, utilizing proven, practical, state-of-the-art tools to rebuild communication, closeness, and friendship. By the end of the retreat on Sunday, most couples have experienced major healing in their relationships and have started to become much more secure and connected in their relationships.

Finally, we assist you in developing a personalized plan for making attitudinal and behavioral life changes, and equipping you with tools to take those crucial next steps that will lead to a healthier, happier marriage. Our after-care program is strategically designed to support the changes and skills developed from the the weekend.

You'll be will be challenged and empowered to take an honest look at yourself and your marital relationship, put the past behind, deal with relevant issues and rediscover the feeling of love you once had in your marriage.

You’ll Experience

…real truth

Discover timeless principles and practical tools for your marriage and a proven process that can restore your feelings of affection for each other, bring lasting change, and make your marriage loving again.

…real insights

Because certain male and female gender differences can cause immeasurable conflict in a marriage that can pull a couple apart, you’ll gain insights and understanding to accept each others “differentness”, and how to leverage those differences to create more harmony and closeness in your relationship.

You'll gain invaluable insights from marriage counselors coaches and facilitators who are real and down-to-earth, who share personal examples you can relate to and tools you can readily apply. We'll work with you on hard stuff in a serious, problem-solving way, and yet at times in a humorous and fun way.

Gain new insights into the attitudes and actions that restore love and make a vibrant marriage again.

…real renewal

You’ll gain and use practical tools and relationship skills that help you improve communication, understand each other's needs, and practical ways to meet them, minimize frustration and actually experience greater fulfillment in your relationship.

In short- you’ll re-discover more love for each other and get closer to each other than you ever dreamed possible.

Experience a life-changing weekend as you spend time together away from the distractions and pressures of everyday life

Who Should Attend?

Couples who feel distant or pulled apart by stress and pressures, and want a closer relationship.

Couples who are not satisfied with their relationship due to conflict or communication difficulties.

Couples recovering from a trauma, crisis or other major hurt such as an affair, unemployment, death in the family, separated, or trying to decide whether to stay together.

Couples who simply want to enrich their relationship, communicate better and enhance their level of intimacy. This is an non-denominational program and couples from all backgrounds are welcome.

Format & Schedule

The program is not conducted in a therapy group format. In fact, nobody is asked nor expected to share their problems with anyone except their spouse and of course a counselor. The format consists of closely guided exercises, experential learning activities, scriptural teaching, relationship skills training, and application projects done both privately, and as a couple.

Program begins Friday at 7:00 PM and concludes on Sunday at 4:00 PM.

Convenient After-Care Up Program

Following the weekend, you are eligible to participate in our “MarriageBuilders” after-care program designed to help you stay on a positive track of growth and development going forward in your New Beginning. The “MarriageBuilders Tool Kit” consists of four audio sessions with Study Guides and Couple Projects. Optional tele-counseling/coaching is also available following the weekend. Additional information and registration will be offered at the Retreat Weekend.

Space is Limited

Registration: $1395/Couple

Important: Hotel Registrations Must Be Made Directly Through
the Hotel in the Cornerstone Block of Rooms

Cancellation and Refund Policy: Your registration fee is refundable, minus a $50 per person processing fee provided it is cancelled in writing at least 30 days prior to the Marriage Renewal Weekend you are registered for. Registrations made or cancelled less than 30 days prior to the event are not refundable for any reason. However, your registration will be transferred to another Marriage Renewal Retreat (costs for lodging and meals not included), within one year of the date of the retreat you were originally registered for. Please understand that while our mission at Cornerstone Marriage & Family Ministries is a Christian one, we are obligated to operate in accordance with business practices just as businesses are. In order to serve our clients, we make advance commitments to secure adequate meeting and lodging space, support personnel, counselors, program materials and resources. Therefore, we simply cannot make exceptions to our cancellation policy, but must adhere to this policy without exception, including emergencies. Please understand that this is not intended to be in any way uncaring or harsh, but it is a business reality that the ministry is obligated to, and one we ask you to accept when registering for an event. Thank you for understanding and agreeing to these terms.

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Testimonials

Linda W.

Our Marriage Renewal Weekend with Cornerstone was the best thing that ever happened to us and our marriage. We had been to counseling two different times, but what we learned on our weekend greatly surpassed all of it. The weekend saved our marriage. We now have tools to help us through struggles and trials we… Read more “Linda W.”

C.K.

“The weekend was incredible! After 18 years of marriage and with two children our marriage was in shambles. Unresolved issues and painful events of the past had eroded our relationship to a point of despair We were disconnected and disgruntled, basically just coexisting under the same roof with little or no intimacy, just surviving, living… Read more “C.K.”

David B.

I was unfaithful to my wife, and it destroyed my marriage. The marriage retreat weekend was the last resort for us, but we both decided to let God decide what He wanted us to do after this retreat. Before coming to the retreat, divorce was our only option, but not anymore. I have a lot… Read more “David B.”

Denny Dillon

We recently hosted “Keeping Love Alive,” a marriage enrichment seminar presented by Roy and Sue Milam of Cornerstone Marriage and Family Ministries. Roy and Sue’s practical insights and transparency had a profound effect on our couples. They spoke from a wealth of understanding and personal experience that hit the issues our couples were facing head-on.… Read more “Denny Dillon”

J.A.

“We came here threadbare… honestly believing divorce was an eventual reality for us. We both dreaded it; but knew it was almost 100% assured. The conference was like spiritual surgery. Words can’t describe the transformative experience my wife and I had. We left with a renewed commitment to marriage. Thank you for such a comprehensive,… Read more “J.A.”

Anonymous 9

“God is so good! He is working in our marriage and we are seeing a remarkable difference. I know now, beyond any doubt that I am blessed with such a wonderful wife. Our relationship has been so much better and we’re much closer than in the past. Last week we had a wonderful anniversary celebration.… Read more “Anonymous 9”

Anonymous 8

“Our marriage was on the rocks for infidelity, and we had allowed our marriage to hit rock bottom due to neglect and lack of respect. We had spent thousands of dollars on therapy and our marriage had still not improved. Out of desperation to not destroy the lives of our 3 precious boys we came… Read more “Anonymous 8”

Angie O.

“After 18 years of marriage, my husband and I had so many walls built up between us that we weren’t sure if our marriage would survive. This gave us the opportunity to break those walls down in a constructive way. We can now start fresh in our marriage and experience the fullness of God intended.… Read more “Angie O.”

First-Hand Accounts From Those Rescued

We were on the road to a possible divorce. It was a marriage that was complacent, unloving and uncaring. We had been unable unable to work out issues, and we had definitely lost that “loving feeling”. Growing up in church, with a strong faith in God, I never thought I needed marriage counseling. This was… Read more “First-Hand Accounts From Those Rescued”

Mark K.

We had experienced many terrible hurts in our 19 years of marriage. I had severely neglected and mistreated my wife and she had ended up in an affair. Our marriage was filled with anger, distrust, and bitterness. There was no love, affection or closeness between us and were no longer soul mates we had once… Read more “Mark K.”

Ashley S.

“This weekend was the best decision my husband and I ever made. Recovering from an affair was something I wasn’t sure was possible, considering all the marital issues we had before it. This weekend gave me the power to forgive my spouse. I have totally recommitted my life to God as well. My husband and… Read more “Ashley S.”

Anonymous 2

The marriage retreat that we attended by Cornerstone at a time of need was truly a amazing experience. It reassured us that we had to put the Lord first to insure our marriage would survive. “I can do all thing through Him who strengthens me. Philippians 4:13” The program that was put on by Roy… Read more “Anonymous 2”

Anonymous 5

“This was our ‘Miracle Weekend.’ Experiencing the biblical steps to truly forgive my husband and let go was amazing. I’ve opened up to hearing and accepting what God wants to change in me. Prior to the weekend I didn’t believe I was critical or unforgiving, but I saw how I have been both – I… Read more “Anonymous 5”

Audrey M.

“Without a doubt, this weekend saved my marriage. In fact, it saved my life. After 27 years of marriage, I was ready to quit. I was not sure I even wanted to go to the weekend retreat. Praise God that I did. We had been hurting each other for so many years and had no… Read more “Audrey M.”

Enrica K.

My husband and I had been separated for two months when he asked me to go with him to this retreat. We had tried a couple of counseling sessions during the time of our separation, but we had not felt comfortable at all, and achieved nothing. We live in New York City, and I thought… Read more “Enrica K.”

Katie M.

Lack of communication caused built up resentments which led to anger and eventually the breakdown of our marriage. My husband began to do drugs to cope, and I began to drink. Our teenage daughter was desperately trying to escape our wrecked family. On a Sunday, after 15 years of marriage I told my husband I… Read more “Katie M.”

Rhonda A.

“About two years into our marriage my husband and I were talking about divorce. The tension and upset got so bad that we could hardly stand sleeping next to each other and nearly every comment either of us would make was taken wrongly by the other. It was utter agony because I loved him very… Read more “Rhonda A.”

Anonymous 3

“This weekend was the best decision my husband and I ever made. Recovering from an affair was something I wasn’t sure was possible, considering all the marital issues we had before it. This weekend gave me the power to forgive my spouse. I have totally recommitted my life to God as well. My husband and… Read more “Anonymous 3”

Anonymous 6

“Thank you for your ministry and for giving us hope and “how to’s” and thank you for helping me realize that divorce is not the answer. I looked at my kids today and cried with gratitude that they got back the Daddy they have always loved.”

Anonymous 7

“Before we came to the marriage renewal weekend we were distant, cold, and angry with each other. Our only communication was arguing. Our marriage was so bad that we didn’t say a word to each other on the way to the retreat. But this was the shot in the arm our marriage so desperately needed.… Read more “Anonymous 7”

Steve Wriggle

“Roy and Sue Milam of Cornerstone Marriage & Family Ministries faithfully served at Grace Community Church for ten years. They developed and implemented a marriage and family ministry at our church and organized a team of individuals to support and carry out the work. Roy and Sue conducted ongoing marriage skill classes and worked with… Read more “Steve Wriggle”

Grace Community

News Report: 54 Children & 36 Adults Saved From Impending Collapse Location: Dallas, Texas Event: A New Beginning, Marriage Renewal Retreat Date: June 24-26, 2016 First-Hand Accounts From Those Rescued “My wife and I had hardly spoken in months. The projects and counseling helped us get back to a point where we are now communicating… Read more “”

Anonymous 1

“Our relationship had become cold and we barely communicated with each other anymore. I learned how to better meet my wife’s needs. I realized that I need to follow God’s plan. I surrendered my life to Jesus. Now I want to be the spiritual leader in my home. Thank you so much. Your ministry saved… Read more “Anonymous 1”

Amazing Testimonies of Marriages Saved

News Report: 54 Children 32 Adults Saved Imminent Distress of Family Breakdown Locations: Dallas, Texas & Indianapolis, Indiana A New Beginning, Marriage Renewal Retreat Date: April 1-3 2016 & April 29-May 1, 2016, Before this weekend my marriage was full of anger, resentment and little hope. The projects on confession and forgiveness… Read more “Amazing Testimonies of Marriages Saved”

James A.

“Our marriage was all but over. We were separated for 7 months. Toxins had invaded all parts of our once- Sacred partnership. But a miracle of God happened this weekend– I’ve been saved on so many levels – my life, my marriage, my salvation— I owe it to Jesus. He brought us here (over 1200… Read more “James A.”

Jared S.

“We’ve been married 8 years. If you’d asked me a week ago, “Where do you see yourself in a week?” I would have said, “In a very nasty divorce ruining the lives of our two beautiful children” Instead, I will be able to share with friends and family this amazing weekend and this amazing journey… Read more “Jared S.”

Barbara A.

“Before the the Marriage Renewal Weekend I was absolutely sure I wanted out of my marriage! I would find myself thinking about things I would do and how my life would be without my husband. The weekend for us was nothing short of miraculous. I feel now that I can communicate my true feelings to… Read more “Barbara A.”

Larry K.

“In the middle of a nasty divorce, 33 weeks pregnant, with a 2-year old at home, we were given the tools to restore a marriage that had become so miserable and full of hate and resentment that I was willing to do anything, just so I could tell my kids someday that I tried everything… Read more “Larry K.”